Press and Sip Device

ABSTRACT

A press and sip device including a straw and sieve coupled together to permit pressing solid particles to infuse flavor into a freshly brewed beverage consumable from the container in which it was prepared. The straw and sieve unit can be used in containers of various sizes through the use of gasket attachments. The sieve is provided with openings that allow the beverage to receive flavor from the solid particles while maintaining the particles separate from the beverage when the beverage is consumed. The straw is provided with apertures in the side wall of the straw that limit intake of beverage to the liquid above the sieve separated from the solid particles. The device is contemplated as having detachable elements to facilitate cleaning and storage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/760,290, filed Jun. 8, 2007, the full disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates to a device for use with beveragesflavored by solid particles such as coffee beans or grounds, tea leaves,mint leaves, cloves, cinnamon, chocolate, cocoa, mate, or other herbs orspices.

BACKGROUND ART

French press devices are known for their ability to prepare a freshlybrewed beverage. It is further known in the art to use a French pressdevice in an individual container from which the user can drink. U.S.Pat. No. 5,618,570 discloses a container with a plunger assemblyslidably mounted therein that allows the user to prepare a beverage anddrink the beverage directly from the container. After grounds and hotwater have been added to the liquid container the user pushes the rodconnected to a rigid perforated disk down through the liquid as far aspossible, thereby trapping the grounds or leaves between the disk andthe bottom of the container. The user can then remove the detachableportion of the plunger assembly, leaving the perforated disk in thebottom portion of the container, and drink the beverage from thecontainer.

Consumption of cool beverages has long been achieved through the use ofstraws. It is also known in the art to add a filter to a drinking straw.U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,384 discloses a personal portable filtration deviceattachable to an ordinary drinking straw that allows a user to removecontaminants or particles from the beverage he or she is drinking.Drinking mate with a straw is a known practice during which a beverageis consumed with a straw that provides filtration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a devicefor both preparing and consuming a beverage flavored by solid particles.The device provides a straw characterized by a side wall. The straw hasat least one aperture in the side wall of the straw. A beverage may beconsumed through the straw by sucking the beverage in through the atleast one aperture in the side wall of the straw. The straw uniquelydoubles as the handle or plunger attached to a sieve. The sieve iscoupled to the straw distal to the at least one aperture in the sidewall of the straw. Solid particles, such as tea leaves, are held by thesieve at the bottom of a cup or container, while the user may consumethe beverage from above the sieve, through the apertures in the sidewallof the straw.

The straw may have a closed distal end. Alternatively, a solid center ofthe sieve may be provided to seal the distal end of the straw.

The sieve may be removably coupled to the straw. The removable couplingcan be provided in various forms such as a snap, a threaded coupling, ascrew, or a tab. The snap may be in the form of a ridge on the sievethat removably fits into a groove on the straw. The threaded couplingmay be in the form of an external thread forming a helical ridge on thestraw and an internal thread forming a helical ridge on the sieve, whichallows the straw to be screwed into and out of the sieve. The screwcoupling may be provided by inserting a screw through a hole in thesieve and screwing it into an internally threaded hole in the straw. Thetab coupling may be provided in the form of a tab that extends radiallyfrom the straw for engagement beneath a ridge on the sieve.Alternatively, the sieve may be permanently coupled to the straw throughthe use of a weld, or other permanent coupling.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide the sieve with a gasketaround the periphery of the sieve so as to achieve a fit withincontainers of different internal cross sectional dimensions.

The sieve may be provided in an alternative form as a plurality ofleaves forming a circular outer circumference.

The straw of the present invention may be additionally provided with adetachable plastic mouthpiece having a filter therein. The straw may beprovided as a metal straw.

According to another aspect of the invention the straw-sieve unit may beprovided with a container having at least one opening for admitting abeverage into an interior of the container. The sieve can have aperiphery corresponding to a cross section of the interior of thecontainer. The device may further be provided with a lid adapted tocover the opening of the container. The lid can have an aperture in itadapted for receiving the straw there through.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the invention will be more readily understoodby reference to the following detailed description, taken with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a straw-sieve unit assembled within acontainer holding particles for flavoring a beverage.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a straw-sieve unit with a gasket attachedto the periphery of the sieve. FIG. 2-1 is an illustration of a crosssectional view of a sieve with an attached gasket.

FIG. 2 b is an illustration of a sieve with a compression springattached to the periphery of the sieve. FIG. 2 b-1 is a magnified viewof the compression spring attached to periphery of the sieve.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a straw-sieve unit where the sievecomprises a solid center adapted to seal the distal end of the straw.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of a straw of the presentinvention where the distal end of the straw is a closed end.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of a straw-sieve unit whereinthe sieve comprises a plurality of leaves.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a detachable plastic mouthpiece having afilter therein.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the straw-sieve unit coupled by a weld.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the straw-sieve unit coupled by a snap.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the straw-sieve unit coupled by a threadforming a helical ridge.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the straw-sieve unit coupled by a screwattached through a hole in the sieve into an internal thread in thestraw.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b are illustrations of the straw-sieve unit coupled bya tab extending radially from the straw for engagement beneath a ridgeon the sieve.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of the straw sieve unit coupled by anattachment that provides a gap between the distal end of the straw andthe top of the sieve. FIG. 12 b, is a magnified view of the attachmentand the distal end of the straw illustrated in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a straw-sieve unit oriented within acontainer holding particles for flavoring a beverage. The straw-sieveunit comprises two primary components, namely straw 10 and sieve 12.Straw 10 is characterized by a side wall that forms the shape of thegenerally tubular structure. The straw 10 has a proximal end 22 and adistal end 24. The straw has an opening at the proximal end of the straw22, whereby the user can consume a beverage. The straw is furthercharacterized by the apertures 16 that are maintained in the sidewall ofthe straw. The apertures 16 in the sidewall of the straw act as a pointof ingress for the beverage. The apertures 16 may further provide asecondary filter mechanism. The apertures could be any geometric orirregular shape. Straw 10 is coupled to sieve 12 at the distal end ofthe straw.

Sieve 12 separates solid particles from the drinking volume accessibleto the apertures in the straw. Sieve 12 is provided with openings 18that permit liquid to pass through, but prevent larger solid particlesfrom passing through. The sieve is characterized by a peripherycorresponding to a cross section of the interior of the container 14. InFIG. 1 the sieve unit is provided in a disc-like geometry. Other sievegeometries are contemplated such as a square or other shape adapted tofit the interior of the container 14 or an alternative container. Thecontainer 14 illustrates an example of a container that the straw-sieveunit might be used in. The container can be embodied in a variety ofshapes and sizes. The container could be provided with or without ahandle. Additionally, the container can be made out of a variety ofmaterials commonly used in the beverage industry for insulating abeverage. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the container ismade of stainless steel, plastic, cardboard, or extruded polystyrenefoam. A lid 20 for covering the container 14 can be optionally provided.The lid is provided with aperture 21 so that the straw can pass through.The aperture 21 will facilitate the manipulation of the straw-sieve unitwhile allowing the beverage to remain covered.

In use the device depicted in FIG. 1 performs various useful functions.The user begins by adding the solid, flavor infusing particles 26 of hisor her choice into container 14 with the lid 20 and the straw-sieve unitremoved from container 14. The solid particles provided can be in theform of coffee beans or grounds, tea leaves, mint leaves, cloves,cinnamon, chocolate, cocoa, mate, other herbs or spices, or any solidparticles the user wishes to use to add flavor to the beverage. Afteradding particles 26 to container 14, the user can proceed to add water,milk, or any other liquids, to container 14 to receive flavor fromparticles 26. The liquid added may be hot or cool. After adding thedesired liquid to container 14 and allowing the beverage to steep, theuser can proceed to insert the straw-sieve unit into the containerforcing the solid particles to the bottom of the container. As a coupledunit the straw 10 is used for pushing the sieve 12 down into thecontainer 14. Because the straw provides this additional function, thestraw is designed such that it is sufficiently stiff to maintain itsshape when held by a user to push the sieve 12 down into a container.The sieve unit is provided with openings 18 that permit liquid to passthrough the sieve as the sieve is pushed down through the beverage, butprohibits the solid particles from passing through. As such, the usermay alternatively add the liquid after insertion of the straw-sieve unitand the liquid would penetrate the sieve and interact with the solidparticles to receive flavor. The straw-sieve unit is then engaged in itsother function as a mechanism for pressing the solid particles that havebeen added to flavor the beverage. The straw-sieve unit can be held bythe straw and moved longitudinally to agitate the mixture and press theparticles to promote the flavor infusion process. The sieve unit issufficiently rigid to facilitate pressing the solid particles.

After the user has engaged the device to infuse the beverage with theflavor, the beverage can then be consumed directly from the containerthrough straw 10. The flavor infusing solid particles 26 are held in thecontainer beneath the sieve while the flavored beverage rises above thesieve. This is the first level of filtration. As the user sucks on thestraw the consumable beverage enters the straw through the openings orapertures 16 in the side wall of the straw. As the beverage enters thestraw through the openings, the openings may additionally preventparticles of a size corresponding to the size of the openings fromentering the straw, providing a secondary source of filtration ifdesired. In this embodiment fluid enters the straw only through theapertures located in the side wall of the straw.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a straw-sieve unit with a gasket attachedto the periphery of the sieve. The gasket 30 provides the straw-sieveunit with the ability to function within containers of different crosssections, while still enabling the periphery of the sieve 12 to form aclose fit within each container. The close fit prevents the solidparticles used for flavoring the beverage from escaping around theperiphery of the sieve. The gasket can be produced in various forms andcomposed of various materials. A rubber gasket is illustrated in FIG. 2,but the use of other materials is contemplated. FIG. 2-1 illustrates across section of the sieve 12 with gasket 30 attached. Other methods ofsealing the area between the periphery of the sieve and the interior ofthe container may be provided.

The device of FIG. 2 b includes a compression spring 31 attached to theperiphery of the sieve combined with a lip/skirt 33 that may be providedas a mesh or other flexible material. The device of FIG. 2 b can beprovided for sieve 12. Mesh 33 of the device of FIG. 2 b can serve asthe gasket for sieve 12. FIG. 2 b-1 is a magnified view of thecompression spring and lip/skirt 31.

FIG. 2 further illustrates openings 18, also shown in FIG. 1. Openings18 are illustrated in the depicted embodiment as round openings. It willbe appreciated by those of skill in the art that these openings can becreated in a variety of geometric shapes and be formed by differentmethods. For example, the openings could be openings that were punchedor drilled into a solid piece, the openings could be openings thatremained after a pattern of wire mesh was created, or the openings couldbe formed through filling a mold with material to form the sieve thathas partitions to prevent the space that will later be openings 18 frombeing filled. The same is true of the apertures 16 located in the sidewall of straw 10. The openings 16 and 18 can take various sizes and orshapes limited only by the desired filtration prescribed by themanufacturer of the device.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a straw-sieve unit where the sieve 12comprises a solid center 32 adapted to seal the distal end of straw 24.The straw 10 can be provided with a distal end 24 that is open while thesieve can be provided with a center that is solid. The solid center ofthe sieve will afford the sieve the ability to seal the distal open endof the straw when the two elements are coupled to prevent the enteringof any particles and fluid that progress through the sieve from enteringthe straw directly through the distal end of the straw. Closing theopening of the distal end of the straw 24 ensures that the entirebeverage being consumed by the user enters the straw through theapertures 16 in the straw.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of a straw of the presentinvention where the distal end of the straw is a closed end 34.Providing the straw with a closed end 34 is an alternative to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. In this embodiment the straw could beclosed at the distal end 24 and the sieve would not have to be providedwith a solid center. The same function of preventing entry directly intothe bottom of the straw is now achieved with a different structure thatprovides flexibility in the manufacturing of the device as well as inthe cleaning and maintenance of the straw-sieve unit. Providing thestraw with a closed end 34 can be achieved through a variety ofstructures. Some examples include a cap welded or fastened to the end ofthe straw, a friction fitting plug, a plug that can be screwed into thedistal end of the straw, or other various seals recognized by one ofskill in the art.

In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 5 the sieve of the straw-sieveunit comprises a plurality of leaves 112. The sieve is provided in thisembodiment in the form of a plurality of leaves that are rotational attheir attachment to the base of the straw. The leaves are still providedwith openings 118 to filter solid particles from the beverage. In arelated alternative embodiment the leaves of FIG. 5 may be attached suchthat they fold downward or upward. In such an alternative embodiment thesieve composed of folding leaves is provided with a collar that preventsthe leaves from folding upward as the straw-sieve unit is pushed into acontainer. In both embodiments where the sieve is formed of leaves, theleaves are provided in an overlapping system, where the edge of one leafresides on top of another leaf. This insures no gaps between the leavesand prevents particles from being able to penetrate the sieve betweenthe individual leaves that make up this embodiment of the sieve.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a detachable plastic mouthpiece 240 havinga filter 238 therein. Straw 10 may be provided in a variety ofmaterials, including metal. Because of the material properties of metal,the straw will conduct heat from a hot liquid. The detachable mouthpiece 240 allows the straw to be composed of conductive materials, whilealso allowing the user to consume the beverage without being burned bythe heated straw. The mouthpiece may additionally be used to provide afiltration device 238. This filtration device is provided in the form ofa mesh screen, but is not limited to such embodiments and may beprovided in any structure of filtration that would occur to one ofordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the detachable plasticmouthpiece is provided with a coupling mechanism 236. In the illustratedembodiment the coupling is provided by a friction fit. The friction fitmay be provided such that the mouthpiece fits into the straw or suchthat the straw fits into the mouthpiece. A variety of other detachablecoupling mechanisms such as a tab, a threaded connection, a snap fit, orother coupling mechanisms that occur to one of skill in the art can beprovided for removably coupling mouthpiece 240 and straw 10.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the straw-sieve unit coupled by a weld 42.The straw unit 10 is here coupled to the sieve 12 by a permanentattachment in the form of a weld bead 42, formed during manufacturing.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the straw-sieve unit coupled by a snap. Thestraw unit 10 is here coupled to the sieve 12 by a detachable couplingmechanism in the form of a snap fit. The snap fit is provided by anindentation 43 in the sidewall of the distal end of the straw and aprotruding ridge 44 formed on the interior of the sieve. As the straw ispressed into the sieve the sieve snaps into the indentation 43 providedto securely couple the sieve to the straw unit. The elements can bedetached by applying sufficient force to dislocate the snap fit.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the straw-sieve unit coupled by a threadforming a helical ridge 45. The straw unit 10 is here coupled to thesieve 12 by a detachable coupling mechanism in the form of an externalthreaded ridge formed on the distal end of the straw 10 that correspondsto an internal threaded ridge 46 formed on the sieve. This allows theuser to screw the straw into and out of the sieve by opposing rotarymotion of the two pieces. The detachable coupling further facilitatescleaning and storage of the device. The type of detachable couplingmechanism provided in FIG. 9 may be provided on any embodiment of thestraw and sieve elements disclosed.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the straw-sieve unit coupled by a screwattached through a hole in the sieve into an internal thread in thestraw. The straw unit 10 is here coupled to the sieve 12 by a detachablecoupling mechanism in the form of a screw. In the illustrated embodimentthe screw is inserted axially through a hole in the sieve to an internalthread in the distal end of the straw. This type of detachable couplingmechanism may also be provided on any embodiment of the straw and sieveelements disclosed.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b are illustrations of the straw-sieve unit coupled bya tab 54 extending radially from the straw for engagement beneath aridge 56 on the sieve. FIG. 11 a provides a perspective view of thestraw-sieve unit coupled by a tab. FIG. 11 b provides a profile view ofthe straw-sieve unit coupled by a tab. The radially extending tab isprovided as a single tab extending the entire circumference of the strawin FIGS. 11 a and 11 b. The tab can be provided, however, as more thanone tab or as a tab that does not extend for the entire circumference ofthe straw. When the straw is inserted into the opening on the sieve, thetab or tabs will be securely held beneath the ridge and willadditionally bottom out on a lower ridge to securely couple the straw tothe sieve.

In accordance with an alternate embodiment, FIG. 12 shows a straw-sieveunit coupled by an attachment which provides a gap between the distalend of the straw and the top of the sieve. FIG. 12 b, further provides amagnified view of the attachment and the distal end of the strawillustrated in FIG. 12. The gaps 316 provide an alternative to theapertures 16 completely enclosed in the sidewall of the straw 310. Withthe straw coupled by attachment 340 such that the distal end of thestraw 324 is not in direct contact with the sieve, the beverage to beconsumed must still proceed to be filtered by the sieve before enteringthe straw.

The described embodiments of the invention are intended to be merelyexemplary and numerous variations and modifications will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications areintended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined inthe appended claims.

1. A device for preparing and consuming a beverage flavored by solidparticles comprising: a straw having a top end and a bottom end; a sievecoupled to the straw; and a spacer attachment coupling the straw to thesieve, the spacer attachment providing a gap between the bottom end ofthe straw and the sieve so that fluid filtered by the sieve can enterthe bottom end of the straw.
 2. A device according to claim 1, furthercomprising means for removably attaching the sieve to the straw.
 3. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein the sieve comprises a plurality ofleaves forming a substantially circular outer circumference.
 4. A deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a gasket around the peripheryof the sieve so as to achieve a fit within containers of differentinternal dimension.
 5. A device according to claim 1, further comprisinga detachable plastic mouthpiece having a filter therein.
 6. A deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the straw is metal.
 7. A device accordingto claim 1, wherein the straw has a sidewall, the straw furthercomprising at least one aperture in the sidewall.
 8. A device forpreparing and consuming a beverage flavored by solid particlescomprising: a container having at least one opening for admitting abeverage into an interior of the container; a straw having a top end anda bottom end; a sieve attached to the straw, the sieve having aperiphery corresponding to a cross section of the interior of thecontainer, the sieve separated from the bottom end of the straw so thatfluid filtered by the sieve can enter the bottom end of the straw.
 9. Adevice according to claim 8, further comprising means for removablyattaching the straw to the sieve.
 10. A device according to claim 8,wherein the sieve comprises a plurality of leaves forming asubstantially circular outer circumference.
 11. A device according toclaim 8, further comprising a gasket around the periphery of the sieveso as to achieve a fit within containers of different internaldimension.
 12. A device according to claim 8, further comprising adetachable plastic mouthpiece having a filter therein.
 13. A deviceaccording to claim 8, further comprising: a lid adapted to cover theopening of the container, the lid having an aperture adapted forreceiving the straw there through.
 14. A device according to claim 8,wherein the straw has a sidewall, the straw further comprising at leastone aperture in the sidewall.
 15. A device for preparing and consuming abeverage flavored by solid particles comprising: a container having atleast one opening for admitting a beverage into an interior of thecontainer; a straw for insertion into the container, the straw having atop end and a bottom end; a sieve having a periphery corresponding to across section of the interior of the container; a spacer attachmentproviding a gap between the bottom end of the straw and the sieve; andmeans for attaching the sieve to the straw separated so that fluidfiltered by the sieve can enter the bottom end of the straw.
 16. Adevice according to claim 15, wherein means for attaching comprises aweld.
 17. A device according to claim 15, wherein means for attachingcomprises a snap.
 18. A device according to claim 15, wherein means forattaching comprises a thread forming a helical ridge for rotarycoupling.
 19. A device according to claim 15, wherein means forattaching comprises a screw for attachment through a hole in the sieveinto an internal thread in the straw.
 20. A device according to claim15, wherein means for attaching comprises radially extending tabs forengagement beneath a ridge on the sieve.
 21. A device according to claim15, further comprising a lid adapted to cover the opening of thecontainer, the lid having an aperture adapted for receiving the strawthere through means for covering the container.
 22. A device accordingto claim 15, wherein the straw has a sidewall, the straw furthercomprising at least one aperture in the sidewall.
 23. A method ofconsuming a beverage flavored by solid particles comprising steps of:inserting a straw-sieve unit having a straw connected to a sieve into acontainer having a beverage flavored by solid particles therein, thesieve having a periphery corresponding to a cross section of an interiorof the container, said inserting creating a filtered volume and anunfiltered volume; and consuming the beverage from the filtered volumethrough the straw.
 24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the strawhas a top end, a bottom end, and a sidewall having at least one aperturetherein and the sieve is connected to the straw nearer to the bottom endthan to the top end, such that the at least one aperture in the sidewallof the straw is positioned between the sieve and the top end of thestraw.
 25. A method according to claim 23, wherein the straw has a topend and a bottom end, and the straw-sieve unit includes a spacerattachment connected to the straw and sieve that provides a gap betweenthe bottom end of the straw and the sieve so that fluid filtered by thesieve can enter the bottom end of the straw.
 26. A method according toclaim 23, further comprising the step of pressing the solid particles.27. A method according to claim 23, further comprising adding a lid tothe container.
 28. A method according to claim 27, wherein the lidincludes an aperture adapted for receiving the straw there through. 29.A method of preparing and consuming a beverage flavored by solidparticles comprising steps of: adding solid particles to an interior ofa container; adding a liquid to the interior of the container, theliquid particle mixture characterizing a beverage flavored by solidparticles; inserting a straw-sieve unit having a straw connected to asieve into the container, the sieve having a periphery corresponding tothe cross section of the interior of the container, said insertingcreating a filtered volume and an unfiltered volume; and consuming thebeverage from the filtered volume through the straw.
 30. A methodaccording to claim 29, wherein the straw has a top end, a bottom end,and a sidewall having at least one aperture therein and the sieve isconnected to the straw nearer to the bottom end than to the top end,such that the at least one aperture in the sidewall of the straw ispositioned between the sieve and the top end of the straw.
 31. A methodaccording to claim 29, wherein the straw has a top end and a bottom end,and the straw-sieve unit includes a spacer attachment connected to thestraw and sieve that provides a gap between the bottom end of the strawand the sieve so that fluid filtered by the sieve can enter the bottomend of the straw.
 32. A method according to claim 29, further comprisingthe step of allowing the beverage to steep.
 33. A method according toclaim 29, wherein the liquid is hot.
 34. A method according to claim 29,further comprising the step of pressing the solid particles.
 35. Amethod according to claim 29, further comprising adding a lid to thecontainer.
 36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the lid includesan aperture adapted for receiving the straw there through.